Karina Menzies’ sister has contacted the police over concerns money raised for the tragic hit-and-run victim’s children has not been passed on to the grieving family.

Karina Menzies’ sister has contacted the police over concerns money raised for the tragic hit-and-run victim’s children has not been passed on to the grieving family.

Sam Menzies fears some fundraisers and appeals put on Facebook pages have prompted generous donors to hand over gifts and cash that have not reached Karina’s three children.

Karina, 31, was tragically killed last October during a series of road collisions, in which 13 adults and children were also injured.

Sam, who now looks after Karina’s three children, said officers were investigating after she told them of her concerns that goods had been obtained “by deception”.

South Wales Police said that officers had received an allegation of theft and enquiries were “on-going”.

Sam, 26, from Ely, said: “I think it’s disgusting. At the end of the day it’s a tragedy. It’s a terrible time that we’re all going through, and it’s sick that people are trying to gain out of someone else’s misfortune.

“It just makes me feel sick to the pit of my stomach.”

Sam Menzies, whose sister Karina was killed in a series of collisions in Ely in October last year

Donations towards Karina’s children poured in since the mum was killed.

Stars including footballer Craig Bellamy, actor Hugh Grant and singer Charlotte Church have supported the fundraising campaign, which has raised more than £30,000.

Two authentic trust funds have been set up by the local community to protect the money raised – one for Karina’s daughters and another for all the victims of the hit-and-runs.

The Reverend Jan Gould, of the Church of the Resurrection in Ely, had taken charge of the funds and they will be overseen by a committee of about four people.

Sam first contacted police officers several weeks ago after friends raised questions over some calls for donations.

Sam said she wanted to see anyone found falsely raising funds to be convicted, describing them as “preying on vulnerable people”.

Responding to enquiries about the concerns raised by Sam, a South Wales Police spokeswoman said: “On January 24, South Wales Police received an allegation of theft. Enquiries are on-going.”

Karina died on Friday, October 19, after she was hit by a van as she walked home during the school run with her two youngest children, Ellie, 9, and Tiana, 4.

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